Keller Adds Junior College Transfer Francis to SFA's Roster

2016-04-14T00:58:48Z2016-04-14T00:58:48Z

From SFA Athletics

NACOGDOCHES, TX (Press Release)- Stephen F. Austin head men's basketball coach Kyle Keller announced that junior guard Daeshon Francis will be joining the Lumberjacks for the 2016-17 season. Francis made it official by signing his national letter of intent on Wednesday morning.

"We are excited to have Daeshon join our family at Stephen F. Austin. He is a tough, high-motor and athletic backcourt player," Keller said. "He is a great addition to Lumberjack basketball and what we are building on in this program. Coach Pastrana did a fantastic job in recruiting him and he fits the culture I inherited here at SFA."

Daeshon Francis • 6-4 • 197 • Guard • Junior • Indianapolis, Ind.Traveling from his native Indianapolis to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for his inaugural season of collegiate basketball, Francis suited up for a Phoenix squad that amassed a 24-9 record which included a 12-4 mark in Horizon League action. One of seven individuals who took part in all 33 on-court battles, Francis averaged 4.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game as one of the primary options off the Phoenix bench. Francis helped the Phoenix capture a runner-up finish in Horizon League action and an eventual berth to the NIT.

On the heels of a productive freshman campaign, Francis traveled to Midland, Texas, where he captured both Western Junior College Athletic Conference and National Junior College Athletic Association acclaim while suiting up for Midland College. As a sophomore, he averaged 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for a Chaparrals team that finished with a 21-9 record. Francis was tabbed as a First Team All-WJCAC performer and hauled in All-NJCAA Region V recognition by finishing fifth in the league in scoring.

What They're Saying about FrancisStephen F. Austin assistant coach Erik Pastrana: Daeshon is the type of guy that fits the mold for what SFA basketball has become. He has great character, the element of toughness, knows what it takes to win and does a little bit of everything on the court. In addition to that, he will make an excellent ambassador for Stephen F. Austin men's basketball in the community. He is highly skilled in multiple facets of the game and we are excited to have him.

Midland College head coach Jordan Dreiling: "Daeshon is the type of young man we want each member of our team to aspire to be. During his year here, he quickly became one of my favorite players I've ever coached because he plays so hard and brings it whenever he steps on the court. He is very talented and a phenomenal teammate. Stephen F. Austin is getting a tremendous player."

JUCO Recruiting Report National Director of Scouting Brad Winton • "Daeshon is an impact player and a very good addition for Stephen F. Austin. He can score the ball in a variety of ways and gets to the rim at will. He also does an excellent job of scoring through contact and getting to the free throw line."